Use our chicken nesting box calculator below to determine how many boxes are best for your flock size.
How Many Nesting Boxes Do I Need? | Chicken Nesting Box Calculator
Quick answer: plan on 1 nesting box for every 3 hens. Use the chicken nesting box calculator below for your exact flock size.
From my own coop: the year I added two extra boxes for a growing flock, cracked eggs and “floor laying” dropped almost overnight. With the right ratio and a calm setup, hens queue up and lay like clockwork.
This guide answers the big question—“How many nesting boxes do I need?”—and gives you a handy, interactive chicken nesting box calculator, plus pro tips on sizes, bedding, herbs, and training.
🧮 Chicken Nesting Box Calculator🪹
Enter the number of hens in your flock and click “Calculate.” The formula is simple: 1 nesting box for every 3 hens (always round up).
📊 Examples for Common Flock Sizes
| Number of Hens | Nesting Boxes Needed |
|---|---|
| 3 | 1 box |
| 4 | 2 boxes |
| 6 | 2 boxes |
| 8 | 3 boxes |
| 10 | 4 boxes |
| 12 | 4 boxes |
| 15 | 5 boxes |
| 18 | 6 boxes |
| 20 | 7 boxes |
| 24 | 8 boxes |
What Are Nesting Boxes & Why They Matter
Nesting boxes are quiet, cozy spaces where hens lay clean eggs. The right number of boxes keeps eggs uncracked, prevents “floor laying,” and reduces stress and pecking. In short: good boxes = cleaner eggs, calmer hens, happier you.
Nesting Box Herbs for Chickens
A fragrant blend of marigold, chamomile, peppermint, parsley, rosemary, fennel seed, dandelion, marjoram, and lavender.
- Promotes clean, fresh, and inviting nests
- Helps create a calm, stress-free environment
- Discourages pests naturally with aromatic herbs
- Encourages hens to lay eggs in the right place
- Made with safe, natural herbs your flock will love
The 1:3 Rule (with Easy Examples)
The golden rule is simple: 1 nesting box for every 3 hens. Hens don’t all lay at the same minute, so they can share. Examples:
- 3 hens → 1 box
- 6 hens → 2 boxes
- 10 hens → 4 boxes (10 ÷ 3 = 3.33 → round up to 4)
- 12 hens → 4 boxes
- 20 hens → 7 boxes (20 ÷ 3 = 6.67 → round up to 7)
Use the chicken nesting box calculator above for your exact flock size.
Factors That Can Change Your Nesting Box Needs
- Flock size & breed: Big, highly productive flocks benefit from a “buffer” box.
- Egg-laying window: If most hens lay in a 2–3 hour rush, add one extra box.
- Pecking order quirks: A bossy hen may guard a favorite nest; another box prevents traffic jams.
- Coop layout: Boxes too close to high-traffic areas get skipped. Tuck them in a quieter corner.
If You Don’t Have Enough Boxes
- Floor laying: More dirty/broken eggs.
- Egg eating risk: Broken eggs invite a bad habit that’s hard to stop.
- Stress & squabbles: Hens pile up and bicker—less laying overall.
From my coop: when I was short one box, two hens tried to share a nest at once every morning. Adding a spare box ended the traffic jam within days.
Ideal Nesting Box Dimensions & Setup
Dimensions
- Standard hens: ~12" W × 12" D × 12" H
- Large breeds: up to 14–16" square
- Bantams: 10–11" square
Placement
- Mount 18–24" off the floor; roosts higher than boxes to discourage sleeping in nests.
- Place along a quieter, dimmer wall away from feed/water traffic.
Bedding
- Use clean straw or shavings with a thin top sprinkle of Nesting Box Herbs for freshness and calm.
- Check daily; top off weekly to prevent thin spots and egg cracks.
How to Encourage Hens to Use the Boxes
- Training aids: Place a ceramic egg or golf ball in each box.
- Clean & comfy: Keep bedding fluffy and dry; remove soiled spots promptly.
- Privacy: Add a small curtain or lip if you have shy layers.
- Herbal cue: A light sprinkle of aromatic herbs signals “this space is safe.”
Common Nesting Box Mistakes to Avoid
- Too few boxes for the flock size.
- Placing boxes higher than roosts (invites sleeping/pooping in nests).
- Letting bedding stay thin or damp.
- Boxes on a noisy, high-traffic wall.
📊 Examples for Common Flock Sizes
| Number of Hens | Nesting Boxes Needed |
|---|
Nesting Box Herbs for Chickens
A fragrant blend of marigold, chamomile, peppermint, parsley, rosemary, fennel seed, dandelion, marjoram, and lavender to promote clean, inviting, stress-free nesting areas.
Shop Nesting Box HerbsNesting Box FAQ
How many nesting boxes do I need for 6 chickens?
Use the 1:3 rule: 2 boxes for 6 hens.
Can two hens share the same box?
Yes. They won’t usually lay at the exact same minute. Provide enough boxes to prevent queues during rush hour.
Do bantams need smaller boxes?
They can use standard boxes, but many do well with a slightly smaller 10–11" square nest.
What bedding is best?
Dry straw or shavings topped with a light sprinkle of herbs works well for clean, cushioned eggs.
Why are my hens laying on the floor?
Often not enough boxes, boxes too exposed/noisy, or bedding is thin. Add a box, adjust placement, and refresh bedding.
